There are many nonprofit organizations that collect lightly worn gowns, handbags and jewelry for low-income students to wear to prom. One charity, Operation Prom (operationprom.org), takes it one step further and also accepts lightly worn tuxedos. So if you have formal dresses and accessories or black-tie suits collecting dust, think about donating them to charity to help someone in need. Your donation is tax deductible, too.

Sure, we know how to recycle cans, bottles and newspapers. But what about broken porcelain sinks? Or a gallon jug of used cooking oil? Old roofing asphalt? A new website called recyclerfinder.com makes figuring it out a cinch. This site works in all 50 states, and all you do is type in the zip code where you're based, the distance you're willing to travel and the type of unusual material you need to recycle. With a click of the mouse, the site shows you all your options for nearby recycling centers.

Need cardboard boxes for moving, or to get rid of the ones you've unpacked? Let the website boxcycle.com connect those who need boxes with those who have them to give. The website is simple to use: Just type in your zip code if you need boxes, and it'll find boxes near you. Or you can sell the boxes you have and make a small profit. While cardboard boxes are recyclable, it still takes energy to pulp them and make new products. Reusing perfectly good boxes before recycling them is both an economical and ecological choice.